the vice-chairman sandy winfield, and all our outstanding members of the joint chiefs. our secretary of veterans affairs and vietnam veteran rick shinseki, who is here. and we're honored to be joined by some truly extraordinary americans, our wounded warriors who inspire us with their incredible strength and resolve. [ cheering ] our enlisted men and women and junior officers, the backbone of our military. [ cheering ] our amazing military families. including the families of the fallen. our gold star families. we will stand with you always. the members of the legendary tuskegee airmen in the house. and the recipients of our nation's highest military decoration, the medal of honor. we are honored by your presence. you know, today we experienced the majesty of our democracy, a ritual only possible in a form of government that is of and by and for the people. a day made possible because there are patriots like each and every one of you who defend our freedom every single day. so this little party is just another way to say something we can never say enough, thank you. than